Arsenal will be looking to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table on Thursday evening when they welcome West Ham to the Emirates for a London derby, but who is the referee for the clash?
Both Arsenal and West Ham head into Thursday evening’s Premier League clash in strong form, with the Gunners unbeaten in three, while the Hammers have won three of their last four in all competitions.
Mikel Arteta’s side played out a 1-1 stalemate in a top of the table clash against Liverpool in their last fixture, meanwhile West Ham were in action against Manchester United – whom they comfortably beat 2-0 thanks to goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.
With fans eagerly anticipating what is set to be a feisty London derby, Michael Oliver has been appointed as the match referee, supported by his assistants Stuart Burt and Dan Cook. As well, Rob Jones is the allocated fourth official, while Craig Pawson is the VAR, assisted by Ian Hussin.
Arsenal vs West Ham Referee And Premier League Match Officials
(Thursday, 28th December 2023)
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- Assistants: Stuart Burt and Dan Cook
- Fourth Official: Rob Jones
- VAR: Craig Pawson
- Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin
Has Michael Oliver Refereed Arsenal Or West Ham This Season?
Often the man for the big occasions, it’ll come as little surprise to many to learn that this will be the fourth Arsenal match Michael Oliver has officiated this term. In comparison, the Northumberland-born referee has taken charge of just one West Ham game, where they played out a 1-1 stalemate against Crystal Palace.
Oliver refereed the Gunners’ season opener against Nottingham Forest back in August, as well as their win over Manchester City on Matchday 8, and most recently their 3-1 win over Burnley towards the start of November.
Michael Oliver Premier League Referee Stats 2023/24
Thursday’s match will see Oliver take charge of his 13th Premier League game of the season, and his fourth of the month – following on from Liverpool vs Manchester United, Everton vs Chelsea and West Ham vs Crystal Palace.
The 38-year-old has brandished 52 yellow cards in the league so far, an average of 3.66 per game, along with four red cards – two as second bookable offences, and two as straight red cards. One of those red cards came during the last Arsenal game that he officiated, where Fabio Vieira was given his marching orders for a foul late on.
Oliver has also awarded three penalties in 2023/24, most recently in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Tottenham, but also for Sheffield United against Manchester United, and for Manchester City against Fulham.
Michael Oliver Premier League Stats Summary 2023/24
- Matches: 12
- Red Cards: 4
- Yellow Cards: 52
- Penalties: 3
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